Beirut: The Lebanese government has unveiled a comprehensive climate policy package aimed at reducing emissions, expanding renewable energy, and bolstering national resilience to climate-related challenges. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam highlighted the significance of climate change as a central issue impacting daily life, the economy, and national security.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Prime Minister Salam noted that Lebanon is already experiencing prolonged droughts, declining water reserves, shorter winters, reduced snowfall, and more frequent spring and autumn floods. To address these issues, Salam emphasized the urgent need to reform the energy system, shift to renewable energy sources, and align the country's recovery efforts with a cleaner and more sustainable economy. He described the policy package as a vision for Lebanon's future, linking environmental sustainability with economic recovery.
Salam underscored the necessity for investment, institutional reform, accountability, and renewed trust from both domestic and international partners in Lebanon's climate action commitment. Lebanese Environment Minister Tamara Al-Zein pointed out the increasing frequency of extreme climate events in Lebanon, stressing that climate issues now affect all aspects of politics, economics, development, and post-crisis recovery.
Al-Zein explained that the climate policy package sets out environmental goals to cut emissions, social goals to protect people and communities, economic objectives to stimulate growth, and legal goals to strengthen institutional frameworks. This package combines short-term practical steps with long-term planning, encompassing all sectors and population groups.
UNDP Resident Representative Blerta Aliko stressed the collective duty to take immediate action, warning of severe consequences for future generations if action is delayed. She emphasized that Lebanon's sustainable development must include clean energy investments, sustainable food systems, and revitalized key sectors to reduce emissions and ensure inclusive green growth.
According to UNDP, while Lebanon contributes minimally to global emissions, it remains one of the most climate-vulnerable nations. Climate-related damages currently account for around 5 percent of the nation's GDP annually and could escalate to 32 percent by 2080 without urgent intervention.